Using God's Word As a Guide to Gratitude

By Chrissie Kenaston

Turkeys. Football. Parades. Black Friday. November brings to mind all these things, but for me, gratitude reigns supreme. Especially this year, I think a focus on being thankful will serve us all.

What do we have to be thankful for in 2020, a year that has taken so much away from us and left many feeling lost and hopeless?

Whenever I’m struggling, I turn to the Word of God for guidance and comfort. And for this particular challenge, I knew exactly where to turn: Philippians 4:8 NIV, my life verse.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

That verse gives us clear directions on how to find gratitude in our daily lives! We need to focus our thoughts on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. That’s where we’ll find things to be grateful for. My biggest challenge this season involves having my children at home every day instead of heading off to school. I work from home, so there’s the struggle of finding time to get my work done when there’s never any peace in my house. And I don’t possess that “teacher gene,” so I often feel like I’m failing my children as I struggle to help them learn at home. It’s easy to get swept up in all the negativity and spend every day feeling like you’ve been dealt a tough hand. Maybe you have! But I guarantee there are still things to be grateful for.

Going back to my circumstances, what is true? My children are safe at home with me. What is noble? The teachers who never stop trying to make this situation work for the kids. What is right? Learning to ease up on my rigid schedule and bend a little for my kids’ needs. What is pure? Watching my kids’ eyes light up as they grasp a new concept. What is lovely? Spending more time together as a family. What is admirable? Watching my husband pick up the slack around the house because I have less time for cleaning. What is excellent? My kids’ ability to adapt to this new way of learning. What is praiseworthy? The way teachers and parents are coming together to figure out what works best for everyone.

Can you take Philippians 4:8 and apply it to your situation? I encourage you to do the exercise and find each piece of the verse in your current struggle. When you’re done, you’ll feel so much gratitude for the good that is coming out of your difficulty!

Yes, there is good coming out of it, no matter how bad it seems. Romans 8:28 NIV says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” ALL things! That means your current challenge, too.

Philippians 4:8 is my life verse because I find it much too easy to slip into a mode of constant complaining. Personally, I don’t enjoy being around people who complain all the time and stew in negativity. God convicted me in this very thing about myself. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I realized I often do that same thing. God brought me that verse in Philippians, and I recall it almost daily to help bring myself back to positivity and hope.

As we go through the month of November and near the end of this difficult year, let’s find the gratitude in our daily lives. Use Philippians 4:8 as a guide when you’re struggling. In my experience, it’s very hard to feel any kind of negative emotion when you’re writing down what you’re grateful for!

I also encourage you to share this exercise with others. I think we all could use some help and encouragement in finding the positive things right now. Can you enlist a friend or family member to practice an attitude of gratitude this month? Let’s truly give thanks for all of our blessings, current or to come, in the month of November.

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! ~ Psalm 107:1 ESV

Chrissie Kenaston is an author and copywriter who believes in the amazing power of God’s saving grace to get us through the ups and downs of marriage, motherhood, and, well, life. Her first book on the subject -- What If I Name Her Grace? -- is being published later this year. You can read more about her journey as a Christian mama at chrissiekenaston.com.

Photo by Karen Ruhl

Photo by Karen Ruhl